I feel like I'm wasting my time :(

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · Jan 29, 2012

yes ma'am! I had a 2.97, had been out 15 years. But...

I believe I blew them away on my essay(s) and had taken three courses as a "pre" student thru the hospital, so had a 4.0 in those classes. My GRE writing was high as well.

I also had smashingly great references, including a recent graduate who is one of their current clinical preceptors.

So, in summary, I looked at it like a "fresh start" approach. I applied to a private school who relies heavily on bridge students for their graduate program, so already having your RN, in my opinion, brings a lot to the table. I hear the state schools around me use to be far more competitive before the distance/PC/adult learning boom.

Strange as it seems, I actually know some folks who are NOT getting accepted to state distance programs, weird? Again, I'm assuming it must be to protect their pass rates on the national exams, plus the increasing difficulty of faculty and clinical placements, very much saturated in my area. I'm sure faculty reading this have other reasons.

My advice, keep hammering away and be sure to tout the AC/BLS and any CCRN/CEN/RNC certifications that you have. Community service, military and teaching/volunteering might help as well.

Best of luck!

glasgow3 · Jan 30, 2012

Perhaps a bit off topic, however it's a sad commentary when grade inflation results in an overall GPA of 3.33 and a nursing GPA of 3.48 being regarded as "mediocre". When I entered nursing school, admittedly many years ago, many fine students were disheartened to learn that their heretofore outstanding GPAs were about to "take a hit" in nursing school because it was so demanding.

I have long cautioned that ACLS courses that can be passed with minimal preparation, professional board exams that can be passed by correctly answering 75 multiple choice questions correctly, certification exams that can be passed by novice practitioners etc. eventually takes their toll: It's quite difficult these days for high performers to distinguish themselves among other consequences.

But never fear. You SHALL be able to attain whatever level of education to which you aspire. In the current environment all you need is the willingness to open your checkbook very wide and/or to incur a suffocating amount of nondischargable student debt.

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2012

Quit calling yourself mediocre for starters! Be proud of those grades as they are above the requirement of 3.0. Focus on why you want to make this change and what your 10 yrs of schooling has taught you. My grades were similar to yours and I was disheartened when I was denied admission to my 1st choice school. That school was all about the GPA and GRE. The school that accepted me not only values but requires nursing experience. They also require ACLS and CCRN certifications prior to entering the clinical phase. Well guess what, I already had both and my recommendations were impeccable, so they welcomed me with open arms. Most of classmates have about half the experience that I have so it's nice to feel valued. I think this school will definitely prove to be a much better fit for me.

Also of note, many schools are having to limit their enrollment because they are running out of clinical sites and preceptors. There are so many PA, NP and med students competing for spots now. I encourage you to expand your search to include more schools. Speak with the admissions counselors to find out what type of student they are looking for in order to find the school that values you.

laurabs24 · Jan 30, 2012

youre right glasgow3. my grades do not reflect my knowledge, skills and drive to attain this degree.....too bad i cant open my wallet much wider haha.

ccrndiva~where do you go to school? thanks for your advice!